MAY 21 (PROVIDENCE, R.I.) – John J. Arvanitis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Field Division and United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha announced that Christian M. Araujo, a/k/a Christian Sanchez, 46, of Providence, has been ordered detained in federal custody on a charge of possession with the intent to distribute Ecstasy. Araujo was arrested by DEA agents on May 17, 2013, after he allegedly delivered between 2,400 and 3,000 Ecstasy pills with an estimated street value of approximately $30,000 to a person posing as a drug dealer.

According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed with the court, it is alleged that beginning in early April 2013, a person assisting DEA agents assigned to the DEA Worcester Tactical Division began discussions with Araujo for the delivery of significant quantities of Oxycodone and Ecstasy tablets. After at least one meeting and several telephone conversations, it is alleged that Sanchez agreed to sell a significant quantity of the pills.

According to the affidavit, on May 16, 2013, DEA agents watched as Sanchez allegedly delivered between 2,400 and 3,000 Ecstasy pills. The alleged transaction occurred in pharmacy parking lot in Pawtucket. Immediately after the alleged transaction was completed, DEA agents detained Sanchez and seized the pills.

Araujo was ordered detained in federal custody following an initial appearance on Friday before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Patricia A. Sullivan.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.

The DEA Worcester Tactical Division was assisted in the investigation by the R.I. DEA Drug Task Force.